Inglewood, Calgary
In a city renowned for its cowboy culture and oil, Calgary's historic Inglewood neighbourhood is a genteel pocket of thrown-together chic where the film and theatre industries shop for props and accessories. Settled in the late 1800s, Inglewood was the original city centre before the CP Railway station moved to another part of town. The area is renowned for its eclectic mix of antique shops and funky boutiques, concentrated in a four-block span of 19th-century brick buildings along Ninth Avenue.
Hardcore historians flock to Crown Surplus (1005 11th Street; tel: 403 265 1754), a 50-year-old icon for military buffs. As one of the most authentic army surplus shops in North America, this is where Hollywood comes for the real stuff. And not just for props: last year when Cher was in town, she dropped in to pick up some flight jackets. Everything from waterproof matches to binoculars is on sale.
Down a couple of blocks, there's a store, gallery, workshop and boutique dedicated to beautiful beads of all shapes and sizes from around the world. Suzie Q Beads (1207 10th Avenue; tel: 403 266 1202) stocks supplies, tools, books, bead art and exclusive semi-precious stones: all the supplies and instruction needed by those who'd rather create their own jewellery and keepsakes. Fabulous beads of sterling silver, pearls or handcrafted glass cubes are available, as well as lessons on myriad techniques to stitch them together artfully.
A few steps away is a shop for the rest of your body. Part thrift, part fashion but all style, Pendulum (1222 9th Avenue; tel: 403 266 6369) is an import shop, consignment clothing boutique and speciality store all rolled into one. The second-hand clothes are in mint condition and espouse brand names of styles gone by. The rear of the building is dedicated to antique and locally made furniture, as well as a collection of imported South American and Celtic sculpture. Be sure to check out the excellent and eclectic hat collection on sale, from bowlers to classic Mounties hats.
In a neighbourhood known for antique furniture shops, Junktiques (1226 9th Avenue; tel: 403 263 0619) stands out as the must-visit venue for those who love fine pine furnishings and one-of-a-kind fixtures. Owners David and Marie Kaufman's 5,000-square-foot store is filled with unusual furniture and accessories. Custom-made orders are available for everything from religious relics to wine-related products and sports collectibles.
You'll find environmental consumerism at its best at Willie's Hemp Store (1331 9th Avenue; tel: 403 264 9193), where all clothing is made of durable hemp or organic cotton. Even if your style doesn't extend to the loosely casual clothing, there is a variety of wholesome body products, healing essential oils and books to educate you on this excellent plant. Canada's ambiguous pot laws mean much of the hemp is grown in the country, or in China. But it won't get you high: hemp seeds are high in protein and are often used as a diuretic in Chinese teas.
